Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/02—Burettes; Pipettes
  • B01L3/021—Pipettes, i.e. with only one conduit for withdrawing and redistributing liquids
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
  • B29D23/00—Producing tubular articles
  • B29D23/20—Flexible squeeze tubes, e.g. for cosmetics
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
  • C12M33/00—Means for introduction, transport, positioning, extraction, harvesting, peeling or sampling of biological material in or from the apparatus
  • C12M33/04—Means for introduction, transport, positioning, extraction, harvesting, peeling or sampling of biological material in or from the apparatus by injection or suction, e.g. using pipettes, syringes, needles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
  • B01L2200/02—Adapting objects or devices to another
  • B01L2200/023—Adapting objects or devices to another adapted for different sizes of tubes, tips or container
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
  • B01L2200/02—Adapting objects or devices to another
  • B01L2200/025—Align devices or objects to ensure defined positions relative to each other
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
  • B01L2300/0832—Geometry, shape and general structure cylindrical, tube shaped
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/56—Labware specially adapted for transferring fluids
  • B01L3/563—Joints or fittings ; Separable fluid transfer means to transfer fluids between at least two containers, e.g. connectors

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates generally to pipette structures, such as unitary measuring pipettes and extension tip devices for use with measuring pipettes, as well as methods utilizing such pipete structures.
• Pipetes are well-known tubular devices that usually have openings at both ends, and are designed to dispense measured quantities of liquids. Pipettes have had widespread usage in a number of industries where accurate measurement and delivery of fluids are required, particularly the medical and laboratory testing and analysis fields. Measuring pipetes typically embody straight glass or plastic tubes with one tapered end, and are calibrated into small divisions so that various amounts of liquid can be measured with the same pipette. Measuring pipettes include Mohr pipetes (with graduation marks that end before tapering begins proximate to the tip) and serological pipettes (with graduation marks that continue to a tapering region proximate to the tip).
• FIG. 1 A An exemplary pipette i 10 that may he produced according to such a method is shown in FIG. 1 A, with the pipette 10 including a mouth region 12, a body region 14, and a tip region 16, and with magnified portions of the foregoing regions shown in FIGS. 1B-1 D, respectively.
• FIGS. 1A-1D correspond to figures contained in International Publication No.
• FIGS. 1B-1D also show the pipette 10 as having an inner curved surface 11 that encloses a space 18.
• the pipette 10 includes a mouth 13 and a tip 15 that are aligned along a longitudinal axis, and includes a filter 19 proximate to the mouth 13.
• the pipette 10 may have a mouth-body transition region 20 between the mouth region 12 and the body region 14, as well as a body -tip transition region 21 between the body region 14 and the tip region 16.
• a substantially smooth inside surface 31 is provided in the transition regi ons 2.0, 21 to reduce retention of fluid and/or particulate material.
• the pipette 10 may also include a series of graduated volumetric markings 17 printed (or imprinted) along an outside surface 30 of (at least) the body region 14 to indicate a volume of liquid contained in the space 18 within the pipette 10.
• the pipette 10 may be sized to hold a particular volume of liquid (e.g., 1 mL, 2 ml,, 5 mb, 10 mL, 25 mL, 50 mb, 100 mb, or another desired volume).
• the pipette 10 may be manufactured of any suitable materials, such as glass or polymers (e.g., polystyrene, polyethylene, or polypropylene).
• the mouth thickness 22, the tip thickness 26, or both the mouth thickness 22 and the tip thickness 26, may be similar to the body thickness 24.
• one, some, or all of the mouth thickness 22, die tip thickness 26, and the body thickness 24 may be in a range of from 0.25 mm to 2.5 mm, or from 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm, or from 0.6 mm to 1.0 mm, or from 0.25 mm to about 0.5 mm, or from about 0.25 mm to about 0.5 mm.
• Enhanced thickness in the mouth and tip regions 12, 16 may provide certain advantages, such as by making such regions more resistant to damage or breakage during use.
• Fabrication of the pipette 10 by molding with application of a pressure differential may include supplying a heated parison (e.g., a tube or prefonn, typically in the shape of a hollow cylinder) into a mold, and creating a differential pressure between an interior and an exterior of the parison to cause the parison to expand and conform to a cavity of the mold.
• a heated parison e.g., a tube or prefonn, typically in the shape of a hollow cylinder
• the heated parison may be extruded directly into the mold.
• a parison may be manufactured of any suitable material (including polymers such as polystyrene and polypropylene, or glass), for example, by extruding a polymer melt to form a hollow cylindrical tube.
• Differential pressure across a wall of a parison may be created by either supplying pressurized gas (e.g., compressed air at 0.05 to 1.5 MPa) into an interior of the parison, or by generating subatmospheric pressure conditions (also known as vacuum conditions, e.g., at a pressure of 0.01 to 0.09 MPa) along surfaces defining the cavity of the mold.
• pressurized gas e.g., compressed air at 0.05 to 1.5 MPa
• subatmospheric pressure conditions also known as vacuum conditions, e.g., at a pressure of 0.01 to 0.09 MPa
• Pipetes may be useful for transferring materials (e.g., liquids) in various commercial and laboratory' contexts, including cell culture apparatuses.
• Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture involves layer-type growth of cells on a substrate (e.g., agar in a petri dish).
• Three dimensional (3D) ceil culture involves the growth of cells in an artificially-created environment that allow's aggregates or clusters of cells (e.g., spheroids) to grow and/or interact primarily with each other in all three dimensions - as compared with 2D cell culture in which ceils interact primarily with tire substrate.
• 3D cell culture represents an improvement over 2D cell growth methods for at least the reason that the 3D conditions more accurately model the in vivo environment in terms of cellular communication and development of extracellular matrices, since cells interact with one another rather than attaching to the substrate.
• Exemplary cell culture flasks or housings including arrays of microwells suitable for culture of 3D cell aggregates are disclosed in International Publication No. WO 2016/069892 A I entitled“Devices and Methods for Generation and Cul ture of 3D Cell Aggregates of Corning Incorporated, which is assigned to Coming Incorporated and is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
• a first exemplary ceil culture housing from the foregoing publication is reproduced in FIG. 2 A of the present application.
• the cell culture housing 40 encloses a cell culture chamber 42, which bounds a structured surface 44 defining an array of microwells 46 (also shown in FIG. 2B, which is a magnified view of a central portion 50 of the structured surface of FIG.
• the cell culture housing 40 further includes a top wall 52, and side walls 54 extending upward from the structured surface 44 to the top wall 52.
• the cell culture housing 40 additionally includes a port 56, which may be embodied in an opening having a screw' cap 58. In use, at least a portion of the cell culture chamber 42 may be filled with a cell culture medium at a desired height of cell culture medium above cells contained in the microwells 46.
• Pipette tip aspirators that are commonly used on petri dishes and well plates cannot be used with cell culture housings due to sterility concerns.
• Large bore pipettes that are useable to collection of aggregates/ spheroids from well plates or petri dishes may be ill-suited for transferring materials to and from cell culture housings, due at least in part to the geometry of a cell culture housing port relative to microwells defined in a structured surface.
• FIG. 3 is a side, partial cross-sectional view of another cell culture housing 70 receiving a portion of a conventional serological pipette 60 therein.
• Tire cell culture housing 70 encloses a cell culture chamber 72 containing a cell culture medium 78, with the bottom of the ceil culture chamber 72 containing a structured surface 74 defining an array of microwells 76.
• the cell culture housing 70 further includes a top wall 82, side walls 84 extending upward from the structured surface 74 to the top wall 82, and a tubular neck 86 that extends outward and upward to define a port opening 85.
• a center axis of the tubular neck 86 may be angled upward at an acute angle (e.g., in a range of from 20 degrees to 45 degrees).
• the tubular neck 86 includes external threads 87 suitable for receiving a threaded cap (not shown).
• the serological pipette 60 includes a mouth region 62, a tubular body region 64, and a tip region 66, with the foregoing regions 62, 64, 66 being arranged m sequence between a mouth 63 and a tip 65 that are aligned along a longitudinal axis.
• Graduated markings are provided along at least a portion of the tubular body region 64 to aid in measuring contents of the pipette 60.
• the pipette 60 is inserted through the tubular neck 86 at a shallow' angle, as dictated by the shallow angle between the tubular neck 86 and a bottom of the cell culture chamber 72.
• the tip 65 is arranged decidedly non-parallel relative to the structured surface 74, thereby rendering it difficult to extract samples of cell aggregates from desired microwclls 76 - particularly from microwells arranged a long distance from the port opening 85.
• the small diameter of an opening defined in the tip 65 of the pipette 60 also limits the ability to simultaneously extract cell aggregates from multiple adjacent microwells 76.
• larger pipettes may be provided with larger tip openings, the use of larger diameter pipettes with a cell culture housing 70 as illustrated in FIG. 3 may be precluded by the need to accommodate maneuverability of a pipete body relative to the port opening 85.
• a pipette structure includes first and second body sections connected at a j unction and including first and second fluid passages, respectively, with the pipete structure including (i) a bellows joint permitting pivotal movement between the first and second body sections, and/or (ii) the second fluid passage of the second body section includes a greater width dimension at a sample introduction end than a width dimension at the j unction.
• pipette structure which may be embodied in a unitary measuring pipette or an extension tip device for a measuring pipete, may enhance suitability of the pipette structure for transferring material between an intenor of a cell culture housing (e.g., including a structured surface defining an array of microwells suitable for three-dimensional culture of multi-cell aggregates) and an environment external to the cell culture housing.
• a cell culture housing e.g., including a structured surface defining an array of microwells suitable for three-dimensional culture of multi-cell aggregates
• the disclosure is related to a pipette structure comprising a fi rst body section defining a first fluid passage, and a second body section comprising a sample introduction end, being connected to the first body section at a junction, and defining a second fluid passage in fluid communication with the first fluid passage.
• the pipette structure further comprises at least one of the following features (i) or (ii): (i) the junction comprises a bellows joint permitting pivotal movement between the first body section and the second body section; or (ii) the second fluid passage comprises anon-uniform width between the sample introduction end and the junction, with a width dimension at the sample introduction end that is greater than a width dimension at the j unction.
• the pipete structure includes feature (i); in other embodiments, the pipette structure includes feature (ii). In still other embodiments, the pipette structure includes features (i) and (ii) in combination.
• the pipette structure is embodied in a unitary measuring pipette, wherein: the first body section comprises a tubular body of the measuring pipette; the second body section comprises a tip region of the measuring pipette; and the tubular body is arranged between the tip region and a mouth region of the measuring pipette.
• the pipette structure is embodied in an extension tip device for use with a measuring pipette, wherein the first body section defines a cavity configured to receive a tip region of the measuring pipette.
• the cavity is bounded by an inner surface, and the inner surface defines an annular recess configured to receive a sealing ring to promote sealing and/or retention between the extension tip device and the tip region of the measuring pipette.
• At least a portion of the second body section proximate to the sample introduction end comprises a central longitudinal axis, and a tip of the sample introduction end is offcut at an angle non-perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.
• the tip of the sample introduction end is offcut at an angle in a range of from 5 degrees to 45 degrees (or m a range of from 10 degrees to 40 degrees, or in a range of from 15 to 35 degrees) from perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.
• a tip of the sample introduction end comprises a primary width dimension and a transverse width dimension, wherein the primary width dimension is at least two times greater than the transverse width dimension.
• the primary width dimension at the sample introduction end is larger than the width dimension at the junction, and the transverse width dimension at the sample introduction end is smaller than the width dimension at the junction.
• the first body section and the second body section comprise at least one polymeric material.
• a welded interface is provided between the first body section and the second body section along at least a portion of the j unction.
• the first body section and the second body section are configured or are configurable to permit a central longitudinal axis of the second body section to be oriented at an angle in a range of from 100 degrees to 170 degrees (or in a subrange of 110 to 160 degrees, or in a subrange of from 115 to 155 degrees, or in a subrange of from 115 to 145 degrees) relative to a central longitudinal axis of the first body section.
• a non-linear elbow transition is arranged between the first body section and the second body section, wherein the non-linear elbow transition comprises a transition angle in a range of from 5 degrees to 60 degrees (or in a subrange of from 10 to 50 degrees, or in a subrange of from 15 to 45 degrees, or in a subrange of from 20 to 40 degrees).
• the disclosure is related to a method for transferring at least one material between (i) an interior of a cell culture housing that includes a structured surface defining an array of microwells suitable for three-dimensional culture of multi-cell aggregates and (ii) an environment external to the cell culture housing.
• One step of the method comprises inserting at least a portion of a pipette structure through a port of the cell culture housing into the interior of tire cell culture housing, wherein the pipette structure includes: a first body section defining a first fluid passage: a second body section comprising a sample introduction end, being connected to the first body section at a junction, and defining a second fluid passage in fluid communication with the first fluid passage; and at least one of the following features (i) or (ii): (i) the junction comprises a bellows joint permiting pivotal movement between the first body section and the second body section; or (ii) the second fluid passage comprises a non-uniform width between the sample introduction end and the junction, with a width dimension at the sample introduction end that is greater than a width dimension at the junction. Additional steps of the method comprise extracting the at least one material from the interior of the cell culture housing into or through the pipette structure; and withdrawing the at least a portion of the pipette structure from the interior of the cell culture housing.
• the junction comprises a bellows joint permitting pivotal movement between the first body section and the second body section; and the method further comprises effectuating pivotal movement of the bellows joint to adjust orientation between central longitudinal axis of the second body section and a central longitudinal axis of the first body section, prior to said extracting of the at least one material from the interior of the cell culture housing.
• the at least one material comprises ceil culture medium within the interior of the cell culture housing
• the method further comprises maintaining the sample introduction end in a non-contacting relationship relative to the structured surface in a manner to preferentially remove cell culture medium from the interior of the cell cul ture housing while reducing a likelihood of removing cell multi-cell aggregates from the array of microwells during said extracting of the at least one material from the interior of the cell culture housing.
• the disclosure relates to a method for fabricating the pipette structure that includes a first body section defining a first fluid passage, and a second body section comprising a sample introduction end, being connected to the first body section at a junction, and defining a second fluid passage in fluid communication with the first fluid passage.
• the pipette structure further comprises at least one of the following features (i) or (ii): (i) the junction comprises a bellows joint permitting pivotal movement between the first body section and the second body section; or (ii) the second fluid passage comprises a non- uniform width between the sample introduction end and the junction, with a width dimension at the sample introduction end that is greater than a width dimension at the junction.
• the method comprises: supplying a heated pan son to a mold; creating a differential pressure between an interior and an exterior of the parison to cause the parison to expand and conform to a cavity of the mold; opening the mold; and ejecting the pipette structure from the mold.
• FIG. IA is a perspective view illustration of a unitary measuring pipette with graduation marks.
• FIGS. 1B-1D provide magnified perspective views of a mouth region, a body region, and a tip region, respectively, of the pipete of FIG. !A.
• FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary cell culture housing enclosing a cell culture chamber that bounds a lower structured surface defining an array of microwells suitable for 3D cell culture.
• FIG. 2B is a magnified portion of the lower structured surface of FIG. 2A .
• FIG. 4A is a front elevational view of a serological pipette according to one embodiment, including a second body section having an increased primary width (and a reduced transverse width) relative to a first tubular body section thereof, with a non-linear elbow transition (shown in FIG. 4C) between the first and second body sections.
• FIGS. 4B and 4C provide rear elevational and right side elevational views, respectively, of the pipette of FIG. 4A, with dashed lines illustrating boundaries of fluid passages internal to the pipette.
• FIG. 5D is a bottom plan view of the pipette of FIGS. 5A-5C.
• FIG. 6A is a front elevational view of a serological pipette according to one embodiment, including a second body section having an increased primary width (and an increased transverse width) relative to a first tubular body section thereof, with the first and second body sections being coilinearly arranged.
• FIGS. 6B and 6C provide front elevational and right side elevational views, respectively, of the pipette of FIG. 6A, with dashed lines illustrating boundaries of fluid passages internal to the pipete.
• FIG. 6E is a bottom plan view of an alternative pipette similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6D, illustrating a sample introduction end of the pipette as being substantially square in shape.
• FIGS. 7A and 7B provide front elevational and right side elevational views, respectively, of a serological pipete according to one embodiment, including a second body section having an increased primary width (and an increased transverse width) relati ve to a first tubular body section thereof, with a bellows joint in a straight configuration arranged between the first and second body sections.
• FIG. 7C is a right side elevational view of the pipette of FIGS. 7A-7B, following pivotal movement of the bellows joint to cause the first and second body sections to be non- coilinearly arranged.
• FIG. 7D is a right side elevational view' of an alternative serological pipette similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-7C, with a tip of the sample introduction end being offcut at an angle non-perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the second body section, and with a bellows joint in a straight configuration arranged between the first and second body sections.
• FIG. 7E is a right side elevational view of the pipette of FIG. 7D, following pivotal movement of the bellows joint to cause the first and second body sections to be non-coliineariy arranged.
• FIGS. 8A and 8B provide front elevational and right side elevational views, respectively, of a serological pipette according to one embodiment, including a second body section having a constant primary width (and a reduced transverse width) relative to a first tubular body section thereof, with a bellows joint in a straight configuration arranged between the first and second body sections.
• FIG. 8C is a bottom plan view of the pipette of FIGS. 8A-8B.
• FIG. 81 is a right side elevational view of an alternative serological pipette similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 8A-8C, with a tip of the sample introduction end being offcut at an angle non-perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the second body section.
• FIGS. 9A and 9B provide front and right side cross-sectional views, respectively, of an extension tip device according to one embodiment, including a first body section configured to receive a tip region of a measuring pipette, and including a second body section having an increased primary width (and a reduced transverse width) relative to the first body section.
• FIG. 9C is a bottom plan view of the extension tip device of FIGS. 9A-9B.
• FIG. 9D is a front, partial cross-sectional view of the extension tip device of FIGS. 9A-9C, with a tip region of a measuring pipette received in a cavity of the first body section of the extension tip device.
• FIGS. 10A and 10B provide front and right side cross-sectional views, respectively, of an extension tip device substantially similar to tire extension tip device of FIGS. 9A-9C, modified to include an annular recess that receives a sealing ring (e.g., an O-ring) to promote sealing and/or retention between the extension tip device and the tip region of the measuring pipette.
• a sealing ring e.g., an O-ring
• FIG. 10C is a front, partial cross-sectional view of the extension tip device of FIGS. 10A-10B, with a tip region of a measuring pipette received in a cavity of the first body section of the extension tip device.
• FIGS 11A and 1 IB provide front and right side cross-sectional views, respectively, of an extension tip device according to one embodiment, including a first body section configured to receive a tip region of a measuring pipette, and including a second body section having an increased primary width (and a reduced transverse width) relative to the first body section, with a bellows joint in a straight configuration arranged between the first and second body sections.
• FIG. 11C is a bottom plan view of the extension tip device of FIGS. 11A-1 IB.
• FIG. 1 I D is a front, partial cross-sectional view of the extension tip device of FIGS.
• FIGS. 12A and 12B provide front and right side cross-sectional view's, respectively, of an extension tip device substantially similar to the extension tip device of FIGS. 11A-11C, modified to include an annular recess that receives a sealing ring (e.g., an O-ring) to promote sealing and/or retention between the extension tip device and die tip region of die measuring pipette.
• a sealing ring e.g., an O-ring
• FIG. 12C is a front, partial cross-sectional view of the extension tip device of FIGS. 12A-12B, with a tip region of a measuring pipette received in a cavity of the first body section of the extension tip device.
• FIG. 13 is a right side elevational view of an extension tip device according to one embodiment similar to the extension tip device of FIGS 9.4-9C, with a tip of the sample introduction end being offcut at an angle non-perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the second body section.
• FIG. 14 is a right side elevational view of an extension tip device according to one embodiment similar to the extension tip device of FIGS. 9A-9C, with a non-linear elbow transition arranged between die first and second body sections.
• FIG. 16B is a bottom plan view of the extension tip device of FIG. 16A, illustrating a sample introduction end of the pipette as being round in shape.
• FIG. 16C is a bottom plan view of an alternative extension tip device similar to the embodiment of FIG. 16B, illustrating a sample introduction end of the extension tip device as being substantially square in shape
• FIGS. 17A and G7B provide front and right side elevational views, respectively, of an extension tip device according to one embodiment, including a second body section having a constant primary width (and a reduced transverse width) relative to a first body section thereof, with a bellows joint hr a straight configuration arranged between the first and second body sections.
• FIG. 17C is a bottom plan view of the extension tip device of FIGS. 17A-G7B.
• FIG. 18A is a side, partial cross-sectional view of a cell culture housing receiving therein a portion of serological pipette according to one embodiment, with the pipette including a bellows joint permitting pivotal movement between first and section body sections of the pipette, with the first and second body sections being non-coihnearly arranged, and with a sample introducti on end of the pipette being offcut and positioned proximate to mierowells in a manner to preferentially remove multi -cell aggregates from one or more selected microwells.
• FIG. I8B is a side, partial cross-sectional view of the ceil culture housing and pipette of FIG. 18A, w ith the first and second body sections being coliineariy arranged, and with the sample introduction end of the pipette being spaced apart from the structured surface of the cell culture housing and positioned to preferentially remove cell culture medium from the interior of the ceil culture housing while reducing a likelihood of remo ving cell multi-cell aggregates from the array of microwells.
• FIG. I8B is a side, partial cross-sectional view of the ceil culture housing and pipette of FIG. 18A, w ith the first and second body sections being coliineariy arranged, and with the sample introduction end of the pipette being spaced apart from the structured surface of the cell culture housing and positioned to preferentially remove cell culture medium from the interior of the ceil culture housing while reducing a likelihood of remo ving cell multi-cell aggregates from the array of microwells.
• 19A is a side, partial cross-sectional view of a cell culture housing receiving therein an extension tip device according to one embodiment into which a tip region of a serological pipette is received, with the extension tip device including a bellows joint permitting pivotal movement between first and section body sections thereof with the first and second body sections being non-collinearly arranged, and with a sample introduction end of the extension tip device being offcut and positioned proximate to microwells in a manner to preferentially remo ve multi -cell aggregates from one or more selected microwells.
• FIG. 19B is a side, partial cross-sectional view of the cell culture housing, extension tip device, and serological pipette of FIG. 19A, with the first and second body sections being collinearly arranged, and with the sample introduction end of the extension tip device being spaced apart from the structured surface of the cell culture housing and positioned to preferentially remove cell culture medium from the interior of the cell culture housing while reducing a likelihood of removing cell mul ti-cell aggregates from the array of microwells.
• the foregoing features (i) and (ii) may aid in transferring material between an interior of a cell culture housing (e.g., including a structured surface defining an array of microwells suitable for three-dimensional culture of multi-cell aggregates) and an environment external to the cell culture housing.
• a cell culture housing e.g., including a structured surface defining an array of microwells suitable for three-dimensional culture of multi-cell aggregates
• Presence of a bellows joint permitting pivotal movement between first and second body sections pemiits the angle between body sections to be varied as desired.
• Such angular variation may be useful, for example, to target different microwell regions along a structured surface of a cell culture housing (such as the cell culture housings illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 3).
• such angular variation may be useful to either position a sample introduction end away from microwells to preferentially remove cell culture medium from the interior of a cell culture housing during a material extraction step, or to position a sample introduction end proximate to one or more selected microwells to preferentially remove at least some multi-cell aggregates during a material extraction step.
• Presence of a second fluid passage having a non-uniform width between the sample introduction end and the junction, with a width dimension at the sample introduction end that is greater than a width dimension at the junction, may beneficially permit multi -cell aggregates from multiple adjacent microwells of a cell culture housing to he extracted simultaneously, without requiring large diameter tubular pipette body section that would inhibit maneuverability of a pipette relative to the port opening of a cell culture housing (such as the ceil culture housings illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 3).
• pipette structures as according to the present disclosure herein may include additional features. Certain embodiments may include features to enhance an ability of a sample introduction end of a pipette structure to access desired regions of a cell culture housing having geometri c limitations according to the cell culture housings of FIGS. 2A and 3. For example, in certain embodiments a tip of a sample introduction end is offcut at an angle (e.g., from 5 degrees to 45 degrees or any other angular range specified herein) non-perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of a second body section proximate to the sample introduction end.
• an angle e.g., from 5 degrees to 45 degrees or any other angular range specified herein
• pipette structures as disclosed herein may be produced from glass or polymeric materials by one or more methods such as molding (including vacuum forming and/or blow molding), welding of prefabricated (e.g., extruded or molded) components, and/or other fabrication techniques. Welding of polymeric materials may include ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and/or solvent welding (also referred to as solvent cementing). In certain embodiments, ail components of a pipette structure may be compositionaliy the same. [0084] Following fabrication, pipette structures as disclosed herein may be sterilized and packaged in suitable sterile packaging in preparation for deliver ⁇ ' to a user.
• extension tip device When an extension tip device is provided, such a device may beneficially be used with conventional pipettes without compromising sterility.
• multiple identical extension tip devices as disclosed herein may be configured to at least partially nest within one another when stacked together. Such an arrangement may provide packaging efficiency when multiple extension tip devices are stacked in a package (e.g., a sterilized package) or dispenser.
• FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a serological pipette 100 according to one embodiment, including a mouthpiece 102 proximate to a mouth end 101, a first body section 104 that is generally tubular in shape, and a second body section 106 that is proximate to a sample introduction end 109.
• the first body section 104 includes a series of graduated markings 103, and has a generally constant diameter.
• a non-linear elbow transition 108 (visible in FIGS. 4A and 4C) is arranged at a junction 105 (optionally including a welded interface) between the first and second body sections 104, 106.
• the second body section 106 includes a wall structure 107 bounding a fluid passage 112 (i.e., a second fluid passage 1 12) that opens to a sample introduction port 110 at the sample introduction end 109.
• a fluid passage 112 i.e., a second fluid passage 1 12
• Corresponding fluid passages 114, 116 are defined in the first body section 104 and the mouthpiece 102 (as well as in the elbow transition 108), and are in fluid communication with the fluid passage 112 defined in the second body section 106.
• the fluid passages 114, 112 defined in the first and second body sections 104, 106, respectively, may be referred to hereinafter as the first fluid passage 114 and the second fluid passage 112.
• Various sections of the pipette 100 include a primary width dimension Wi (shown in FIG. 4A) and a transverse width dimension W?. (shown in FIG. 4C) that may be orthogonal to the primary' width dimension Wi.
• the second body section 106 has a non-uniform primary width that increases with proximity to the sample introduction end 109 and that is greater than that of the first body section 104
• tire second fluid passage 112 has a primary width that increases with proximity to the sample introduction end 109 and that is greater than that of the first fluid passage 114.
• the second body section 106 has a non-unifonn transverse width that decreases with proximity to the sample introduction end 109 and that is sm aller than that of the fi rst body section 104, and the second fluid passage 112 has a transverse width that decreases with proximity to the sample introduction end 109 and that is smaller than that of the first fluid passage 114.
• Presence of the second fluid passage 112 having a non-uniform width between the sample introduction end 109 and the junction 105, with a primary width dimension at the sample introduction end 109 that is greater than a primary width dimension at the junction 105 may beneficially permit the pipette 100 to extract multi -cell aggregates from multiple adjacent macrojar!s of a cell culture housing simultaneously.
• the first body section 104 has a central longitudinal axis 1 19 that is non-parallel to a central longitudinal axis 118 of the second body section 106, with such axes 119, 118 being oriented an angle a relative to one another.
• the angle a may be in a range of from 100 degrees to 170 degrees (or in a range of from 1 10 degrees to 160 degrees, or in a range of from 115 degrees to 155 degrees, or in a range of from 120 degrees to 150 degrees).
• This angle a may have a complementary angle, serving as a transition angle for the non-linear elbow' transition 108, wherein the transition angle may be in a range of from 10 degrees to 80 degrees (or any other range complementary ' to the ranges for the angle a outlined above).
• a pipette as disclosed herein may include a tip of a sample introduction end that is offcut at an angle non-perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of a second body portion.
• FIGS. 4D and 4E provide rear side and right side elevational views, respectively, of an alternative serological pipette 100A similar to the pipette 100 of FIGS. 4A-4C.
• the pipette 100 A includes a mouthpiece 102 proximate to a mouth end 101, a first body' section 104 having a series of graduated markings 103, and a second body section 106 A that is proximate to a sample introduction end 109A.
• a non-linear elbow transition 108 is arranged at a junction 105 between the first and second body sections 104, 106A.
• the second body section 106A includes a wall structure 107A bounding a fluid passage 112 (i.e., a second fluid passage) that opens to a sample introduction port 110A at the sample introduction end 109.
• Corresponding fluid passages 114, 116 are defined m tire first body section 104 and the mouthpiece 102.
• the second body section 106A has a non-uniform primary width that increases with proximity to the sample introduction end 109 and that is greater than that of the first body section 104, and the second fluid passage 1 12 has a primary width that increases with proximity to the sample introduction end 109 and that is greater than that of the first fluid passage 114.
• the second body section 106A has a non-uniform transverse width that decreases with proximity to the sample introduction end 109A and that is smaller than that of the first body section 104, and the second fluid passage 112 has a transverse width that decreases with proximity to the sample introduction end 109A and that is smaller than that of tire first fluid passage 114.
• the first body section 104 has a central longitudinal axis 119 that is non-parallel to a central longitudinal axis 118 of the second body section 106A. As shown in FIG. 4E, a tip of the sample introduction end 109A is offcut at an angle b that is non -perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.
• the tip of tire sample introduction end 109A is offcut at an angle in a range of from 5 degrees to 45 degrees (or in a range of from 10 degrees to 40 degrees, or in a range of from 15 to 35 degrees) from perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 118 of the second body section 1Q6A.
• This offcut of the sample introduction end 109A may facilitate contacting the sample introduction end 109A and may promote more conformal contact between the pipette 100A and a structured surface of a cell culture housing as disclosed previously herein, to extract multi-cell aggregates from microwells of such a housing.
• a pipete as disclosed herein may include a second body section that is coliineariy arranged with a first body section, while including other features as disclosed herein.
• FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate a serological pipette 120 according to one embodiment similar to the pipete 100 of FIGS. 4A-4C, but lacking a non-linear elbow' transition between first and second body sections.
• the pipette 120 includes a mouthpiece 122 proximate to a mouth end 121, a first body section 124 having a series of graduated markings 123, and a second body section 126 that is proximate to a sample introduction end 129.
• a direct junction 125 is provided between the first and second body sections 124, 126.
• the second body section 126 includes a wall stracture 127 bounding a fluid passage 132 (i.e., a second fluid passage) that opens to a sample introduction port 130 at the sample introduction end 129.
• a fluid passage 132 i.e., a second fluid passage
• Corresponding fluid passages 134, 136 are defined in the first body section 124 and the mouthpiece 122.
• the second body section 126 has a non-uniform primary width (along primary width dimension Wi) that increases with proximity to the sample introduction end 129 and that is greater than that of the first body section 124, and the second fluid passage 132 has a primary width that increases with proximity to the sample introduction end 129 and that is greater than that of the first fluid passage 134.
• the second body section 126 has a non-uniform transverse width (along transverse width dimension W?.) that decreases with proximity to the sample introduction end 129 and that is smaller than that of the first body section 124, and the second fluid passage 132 has a transverse width that decreases with proximity to the sample introduction end 129 and that is smaller than that of the first fluid passage 134. Longitudinal axes of the first and second body sections 124, 126 are collmearly arranged.
• pipettes included second body portions with increasing primary width and decreasing secondar ' width with proximity to a sample introduction end.
• a pipette may include a second body portion having a primary width and a secondary width that both increase with proximity to a sample introduction end.
• FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a serological pipette 140 according to one embodiment similar to the pipette 120 of FIGS. 5A-5D, with a second body portion having a primary width and a secondary width that both increase with proximity to a sample introduction end.
• the pipette 140 includes a mouthpiece 142 proximate to a mouth end 141, a first body section 144 having a series of graduated markings 143, and a second body section 146 that is proximate to a sample introduction end 149.
• a direct junction 145 is provided between the first and second body sections 144, 146.
• the second body section 146 includes a wall structure 147 bounding a fluid passage 152 that opens to a sample introduction port 150 at the sample introduction end 149.
• Corresponding fluid passages 154, 156 are defined in the first body section 144 and the mouthpiece 142.
• the second body section 146 has a non-uniform primary width along both the primary width dimension Wi and the transverse width dimension W 2 that increases with proximity to the sample introduction end 149, and that is greater than that of the first body- section 144. Longitudinal axes of the first and second body sections 144, 146 are collinearly arranged.
• the wall structure 147 and a fluid passage 152 may be frustoconical in shape with a round cross-section.
• FIG. 6E is a bottom plan view- of an alternati ve pipette similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6D, illustrating a sample introduction end 149A, a sample introduction port 150A, and a fluid passage 152A all as being substantially square in shape, in combination with first and second fluid passages 154, 156 both having round cross-sectional shapes.
• a pipette may include a bellows joint permitting pivotal movement between first and second body sections thereof.
• FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate a serological pipette 160 according to one embodiment similar to the pipette 100 of FIGS. 4A-4C, but including a bellows joint 165 instead of a non-linear elbow transition between a first body section 164 and a second body section 166.
• the pipette 160 includes a mouthpiece 162 proximate to a mouth end 161, a first body section 164 having a series of graduated markings 163, and a second body section 166 that is proximate to a sample introduction end 169.
• a bellows joint 165 is provided between the first and second body sections 164, 166.
• welded interface s 165’ may be pro vided between the bellows j oint 165 and the first and second body sections 164, 166.
• the second body section 166 includes a wall structure 167 bounding a fluid passage 172 (i.e., a second fluid passage) that opens to a sample introduction port 170 at the sample introduction end 169.
• Corresponding fluid passages 174, 176 are defined in the first body section 164 and the mouthpiece 162.
• the second body section 166 has a non-uniform primary width (along primary width dimension Wi) that increases with proximity to the sample introduction end 169 and that is greater than that of the first body section 164, and the second fluid passage 172 has a primary width that increases with proximity to the sample introduction end 169 and that is greater than that of the first fluid passage 174.
• the second body section 166 has a non-uniform transverse width (along transverse width dimension W2) that decreases with proximity' to the sample introduction end 169 and that is smaller than that of the first body section 164, and the second fluid passage 172 has a transverse width that decreases with proximity to the sample introduction end 169 and that is smaller than that of the first fluid passage 174.
• FIG. 7A and 7B provide front elevational and right side elevational view's of the pipette 160 with the bellows joint 165 m a straight configuration arranged between the first and second body sections 164, 166, with central longitudinal axes 179, 178 of first and second body sections 164, 166 being collinearly arranged.
• FIG. 7C is a right side elevational view' of the pipette 160, following pivotal movement of the bellow's joint 165 to cause central longitudinal axes 179, 178 of the first and second body sections 164, 167 to be non-parallel, w'ith such axes 179, 178 being oriented at an angle a relative to one another.
• the angle a may be adjusted to any range previously described herein.
• the bellows joint 165 permits the angle a to be adjusted as desired by a user.
• the bellows joint 165 may be adjusted (e.g., by a user) to a certain position and then maintain that position until intentionally re-adjusted.
• Permitting angular variation between the first and second body- sections 164, 167 of the pipette 160 may be useful, for example, to target different microwell regions along a structured surface of a cell culture housing when transferring material between an interior of the cell culture housing and an external environment.
• a pipette including a bellows joint may include a tip of a sample introduction end that is offcut at an angle non-perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of a second body portion.
• FIG. 7D illustrates an alternative serological pipette 160A according to one embodiment similar to the pipette 160 of FIGS. 7A-7C, with a tip of the sample introduction end 169 A being offcut at an angle non-perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis 178 of the second body section 166A, and with the bellows joint 165 in a straight configuration arranged between the first and second body sections 164, 166A.
• Tire pipette 160A includes a mouthpiece 162 proximate to a mouth end 161, the first body section 164 having a series of graduated markings 163, and the second body section 166A that is proximate to a sample introduction end 169A.
• the second body section 166A includes a wall structure 167A bounding a fluid passage that opens to a sample introduction port 170A at the sample introduction end 169A. Fluid passages are defined in the pipette 160A in the same manner as the pipette 160 of FIGS. 7A-7C.
• the first body- section 164 has a central longitudinal axis 179 that is parallel to the central longitudinal axis 178 of the second body section 166A.
• the tip of the sample introduction end 169A is offcut at an angle b that is non-perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 178 of the second body section I66A (which as illustrated is collinear with a central longitudinal axis 179 of the first body section 164.
• the tip of the sample introduction end 169A is offeut at an angle in a range of from 5 degrees to 45 degrees (or any other range disclosed herein for an offeut tip)
• a pipette including a bellows joint may additionally include a non-linear elbow transition arranged between first and second body sections.
• FIG. 7E illustrates an alternative serological pipette 160B similar to the pipette 160A, with addition of a non-linear elbow transition 168B arranged between a first body section 164 and a bellows joint 165, and with the bellows joint 165 (in a straight configuration) being arranged between the non-linear elbow transition 168B and the second body second 166B.
• welded interfaces 165’ may be provided between the bellows joint 165 and the second body section 166B, and between the bellows joint 165 and the non-linear elbow transition 168B.
• a pipete including a bellow's joint may include a second body section having a width that is constant and/or reduced in one or more dimensions relative to a first body section.
• FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a serological pipette 180 according to one embodiment, including a second body section 186 having a constant primary width and a reduced transverse width both relative to a fi rst tubular body section 184, with a bellows joint 1 85 in a straight configuration arranged between the first and second body sections 184, 186.
• the bellow's joint 185 is illustrated in a straight configuration arranged between the first and second body sections 184, 186.
• the pipette 180 includes a mouthpiece 182 proximate to a mouth end 181, the first body section 184 having a series of graduated markings 183, and the second body section 186 that is proximate to a sample introduction end 189.
• welded interfaces 185’ may be provided between the bellows joint and the first and second body sections 184, 186.
• the second body section 186 includes a wall structure 187 bounding a fluid passage 192 that opens to a sample introduction port 190 at the sample introduction end 189.
• Corresponding fluid passages 194, 196 are defined in the first body section 184 and tire mouthpiece 182.
• the second body section 186 has a constant primary width (along primary width dimension Wi) that is equal to that of the first body section 184, and the second fluid passage 192 has a constant primar width that is equal to that of the first fluid passage 194.
• the second body section 186 has a non-uniform transverse width (along transverse width dimension Wi) that decreases with proximity to the sample introduction end 189 and that is smaller than that of the first body section 184, and the second fluid passage 192 has a transverse width that decreases with proximity to the sample introduction end 189 and that is smaller than that of the first fluid passage 194.
• a pipette including a bellows joint, and including a second body section having a width that is constant and/or reduced in one or more dimensions relative to a first body section may further include a tip of a sample introduction end that is offcut at an angle non -perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of a second body portion .
• FIG. 8D illustrates an alternative serological pipette 180A according to one embodiment similar to the pipette 180 of FIGS.
• the pipette 180A includes a mouthpiece 182 proximate to a mouth end 181, the first body section 184 with a series of graduated markings 183, and the second body section 186A that is proximate to a sample introduction end 189A.
• welded interfaces 185’ may be provided between die bellows joint 185 and the first and second body- sections 184, 186A.
• the second body section 186A includes a wall structure 187A bounding a fluid passage that opens to a sample introduction port 19GA at the sample introduction end 189 A. Fluid passages are defined in the pipette 180A in the same manner as the pipette 180 of FIGS. 8A-8C.
• the tip of the sample introduction end 189A is offcut at an angle b that is non perpendicular to tire central longitudinal axis 198 of the second body section 186A. In certain embodiments, the tip of the sample introduction end 189A is offeut at an angle in a range of from 5 degrees to 45 degrees (or any other range disclosed herein for an offeut tip).
• pipette structures may be embodied extension tip devices for use with conventional measuring pipettes.
• a first body section defines a cavity configured to receive a tip region of a measuring pipette
• a second body section includes characteristics as defined herein.
• the cavity is bounded by an inner surface, and the inner surface defines an annular recess configured to receive a sealing ring to promote sealing and/or retention between the extension tip device and the tip region of the measuring pipette.
• a shoulder 203 representing a change in outer diameter may be provided between the first and upper body sections 204, 202.
• the extension tip device 200 includes a pipette receiving end 201 defining a cavity 216 originating in the upper body section 202 that is bounded in part by an inwardly tapered surface 217 configured to sealingly engage an outer wall of a pipette (not shown) proximate to a tip thereof.
• the inwardly tapered surface 217 may continue into the first body- section 204.
• the second body section 206 includes a wall structure 207 bounding a fluid passage 212 that opens to a sample introduction port 210 at the sample introduction end 209. Consecutively arranged fluid passages 214, 215 are defined in the first body section 204 and the upper body section 206, respectively, with the fluid passage 215 opening to the cavity 216 proximate to the pipette recei ving end 201.
• Various sections of the extension tip device 200 include a primary width dimension Wi (shown in FIG. 9 A) and a transverse width dimension W 2 (shown in FIG. 9B) that may be orthogonal to the primary width dimension Wi .
• the second body section 206 has a non-uniform primary width that increases with proximity to the sample introduction end 209 and that is greater than that of the first body section 204.
• the second fluid passage 212 has a primary width that increases with proximity to the sample introduction end 209 and that is greater than that of the fluid passages 214, 215 defined in the first and upper body sections 204, 202.
• a maximum primary width of the second fluid passage 212 is greater than a maximum primary width of the first fluid passage 214 defined in the first body section 204.
• the second body section 206 and the second fluid passage 212 have non-uniform transverse widths that decrease with proximity to the sample introduction end 209, with the transverse widths being smaller than those of the corresponding first body section 204 and the first fluid passage 214.
• FIG. 9C shows a bottom view' of tire extension tip device of FIGS. 9A-9B, illustrating that the sample introduction port 210 has a much greater primary width relative to the transverse width.
• FIG. 9D is a front, partial cross-sectional view' of the extension tip device 200 of FIGS. 9A-9C, with a tip region of a measuring pipete 60 received in a cavity (i.e., cavity 216 shown in FIGS. 9A-9B) originating in the upper body section of the extension tip device 200 proximate to the pipette receiving end 201.
• An outer surface of the measuring pipette 60 may ⁇ be seal gly engaged to an inwardly tapered surface (i.e., inwardly tapered surface 217 as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B) of the extension tip device 200.
• the extension tip device 220 includes an upper body section 222 configured to receive the tip region of a measuring pipete, a first body section 224 aligned with the upper body section 222, and a second body section 226 having an increased primary width (and a reduced transverse width) relative to tire first body section 224. At least one junction 225 (optionally including a welded interface) is formed between the first and second body sections 224, 226. A shoulder 223 representing a change in outer diameter may be provided between the first and upper body sections 224, 222.
• a pipette receiving end 221 defines a cavity 236 originating in the upper body section 222 that is bounded in part by the inwardly tapered surface 237 configured to engage an outer wall of a pipette (not shown) proximate to the tip thereof, with the sealing ring 239 further assisting with engagement of the pipette.
• the inwardly tapered surface 237 may continue into the first body section 224.
• the second body section 226 includes a wall structure 227 bounding a fluid passage 232 that opens to a sample introduction port 230 at the sample introduction end 229.
• FIG. 10C is a front, partial cross-sectional view of the extension tip de vice 220 of FIGS. 10A-10B, with a tip region of a measuring pipette 60 received in a cavity (i.e., cavity 236 shown in FIGS. 10A-10B) originating in the upper body section of the extension tip device 220 proximate to the pipette receiving end 221.
• An outer surface of the measuring pipette 60 may be sealingly engaged to an inwardly tapered surface and sealing ring (i.e., inwardly tapered surface 237 and sealing ring 239 as shown in FIGS. 10A-10B) of the extension tip device 220.
• a fluid passage of the extension tip device 220 proximate to the sample introduction end 230 has a substantially greater width than fluid passages of the pipette 60.
• Engagement between the measuring pipette 60 and the extension tip device 2.20 permits the resulting assembly to function in a manner similar to the pipette 120 previously described in connection with FIGS. 5A-5D.
• an extension tip device may include a bellows joint permiting pivotal movement between first and second body sections thereof.
• FIGS. 11A-11 C illustrate an extension tip device 240 according to one embodiment similar to the extension tip device 200 of FIGS. 9A-9C, including a first body section 242 configured to receive a tip region of a measuring pipette, and including a second body section 246 having an increased primary width (and a reduced transverse width) relative to the first body section 242, with a bellows joint 245 (illustrated in a straight configuration, but being capable of pivotal movement) between the first and second body sections 242, 246.
• welded interfaces 245' may be provided between the bellows joint 245 and the first and second body sections 242, 246.
• the extension tip device 240 includes a pipette receiving end 241 defining a cavity (also embodying a fluid passage) 256 originating in the first body section 242 that is bounded by an inwardly tapered surface 257 configured to sealingly engage an outer wall of a pipette (not shown) proximate to a tip thereof.
• the second body section 246 includes a wall structure 247 bounding a fluid passage 252 that opens to a sample introduction port 250 at the sample introduction end 249.
• the second fluid passage 252 has a primary width that increases with proximity to the sample introduction end 249 and that is greater than that of the fluid passage 256 defined in the first body section 242.
• the second body section 246 and the second fluid passage 242 have non-uniform transverse widths that decrease with proximity to the sample introduction end 249, with the transverse widths being smaller than those of the corresponding first body section 242 and the first fluid passage 256.
• FIG. 11C shows a bottom view of the extension tip device 240 of FIGS. 11A-1 IB, illustrating that the sample introduction port 250 has a much greater primary width relative to the transverse width.
• an extension tip device may include a bellow's joint permitting pivotal movement between first and second body sections thereof, and may further include a sealing ring arranged in an annular recess to promote sealing and/or retention between the extension tip device and the tip region of a measuring pipette.
• FIGS. 12A and 12B show an extension tip device 260 according to one embodiment that is similar to the extension tip device 240 described in connection with FIGS 11 A-l IB, with addition of a sealing ring (e.g , O-ring) 279 received within an annular recess 278 defined in an inwardly tapered surface 277.
• the extension tip device 260 includes first and second body sections 262, 266 with a bellows joint 265 arranged therebetween.
• F1G. 12C is a front, partial cross-sectional view' of the extension tip device 260 of FIGS. 11A-1 IB, with a tip region of a measuring pipete 60 received in a cavity' (i.e., cavity 266 shown in FIGS. 1 1 A-l IB) defined in the first body section of the extension tip device 260 proximate to the pipette receiving end 261.
• An outer surface of the measuring pipette 60 may be sealingly engaged to an inwardly tapered surface and sealing ring (i.e., inwardly tapered surface 277 and sealing ring 279 as shown in FIGS. 12A-12B) of the extension tip device 260.
• a fluid passage of the extension tip device 260 proximate to the sample introduction port 270 has a substantially greater width than fluid passages of the pipette 60. Engagement between the measuring pipette 60 and the extension tip device 260 permits the resulting assembly to function in a manner similar to the pipette 120 previously described m connection with FIGS. 5A-5D.
• an extension tip device as described herein may include a tip of a sample introduction end that is offcut at an angle non-perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of a second body portion.
• FIG. 13 is a right side elevational view' of an extension tip device 280 according to one embodiment similar to the extension tip device 200 illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9C, with a tip of the sample introduction end 289 being offcut at an angle b that is non-perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis 298 of a second body section 286.
• the extension tip device 280 includes an upper body section 282 configured to receive a tip region of a measuring pipette, the first body section 284 aligned with the upper body section 282, and the second body section 286 having an increased primary width (and a reduced transverse width) relative to the first body section 284. At least one junction 2 5 (optionally including a welded interface) is formed between the first and second body sections 284, 286.
• a shoulder 283 representing a change in outer diameter may be provided between the first and upper body sections 284, 282.
• the fluid passages 292, 294, 295 defined in the extension tip device 280 are illustrated as having the same relative shapes and sizes as previously described for the corresponding fluid passages 212, 214, 215 of the extension tip device 200 of FIG S. 9A-9C.
• the tip of the sample introduction end 289 is offcut at an angle in a range of from 5 degrees to 45 degrees (or any oilier range disclosed herein for an offcut tip).
• an extension tip device as described herein may include a non-linear elbow transition arranged between first and second body sections.
• FIG. 14 is a right side elevational view of an extension tip de vice 300 according to one embodiment similar to the extension tip device 200 illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9C, with addition of a non-linear elbow transition 308 arranged between a first body section 304 and a second body section 306
• the first body section 304 has a central longitudinal axis 319 that is non-parallel to a central longitudinal axis 318 of the second body section 306 due to presence of the non-linear elbow transition 308.
• a shoulder 303 representing a change in outer diameter may be provided between the first and upper body sections 304, 302.
• the extension tip device 300 includes a pipette receiving end 301 defining a cavity 316 originating in the upper body section 302 that is bounded in part by an inwardly tapered surface 317 configured to sealingiy engage an outer wall of a pipette (not shown) proximate to a tip thereof.
• the inwardly tapered surface 317 may continue into the first body section 304.
• the second body section 306 includes a wall structure 307 bounding a fluid passage 312 that opens to a sample introduction port 310 at the sample introduction end 309.
• a fluid passage 314 in the first body section 304 is in fluid communication with the fluid passage 312 and the cavity 316.
• the fluid passages 312, 314, 315 defined in the extension tip device 300 may have the same relative shapes and sizes as previously described for the corresponding passages 212, 214, 215 of the extension tip device 200 of FIGS. 9A-9C.
• an extension tip device as described herein may include a non-linear elbow transition and a bellows joint arranged between first and second body- sections, and a tip of a sample introduction end that is offcut at an angle non-perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of a second body portion.
• FIG. 15 is a right side elevational view of an extension tip device 320 according to one embodiment similar to the extension tip device 240 of FIGS. 11A-11C, with a non-linear elbow- transition 328 and a bellows joint 325 arranged between first and second body sections 304, 327.
• the first body section 304 is arranged between an upper body section 302 and the non-linear elbow- transition 328.
• welded interfaces 325’ may be provided between the bellows joint 325 and the second body sections 326, and between the bellows joint 325 and the non-linear elbow transition 328
• the upper body section 302 includes a pipette receiving end 321 defining a cavity suitable for receiving the end of a pipette.
• the first body section 304 has a central longitudinal axis 339 that is non-parallel to a central longitudinal axis 338 of the second body section 326 due to presence of the non-linear elbow' transition 328.
• a shoulder 303 representing a change in outer diameter may be provided between the first and upper body sections 304, 302.
• the second body section 326 includes a sample introduction end 309 that is offcut at an angle b nonperpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 338 of the second body portion 326.
• an extension tip device as described herein may include a bellows joint arranged between first and second body sections, and the sample introduction end includes a greater primary and transverse width dimensions than corresponding width dimensions of a first body section.
• FIGS 16A and 16B provide front elevational and bottom views of an extension tip device 340 including a first body section 342 configured to receive a tip region of a measuring pipette, and including a second body section 346 having increased primary and transverse widths relative to the first body section 342.
• a bellows joint 345 (illustrated in a straight configuration, but being capable of pivotal movement) is provided between the first and second body sections 342, 346.
• welded interfaces 345’ may he provided between the bellows joint 345 and the first and second body sections 342, 346.
• the extension tip device 340 includes a pipette receiving end 341 through which a cavity (also embodying a fluid passage) 356 extends into the first body section 342, with the cavity 356 being bounded by an inwardly tapered surface 357 configured to sealingly engage an outer wall of a pipette (not shown) proximate to a tip thereof.
• a shoulder 343 is provided along a portion of the first body section 342, corresponding to a reduced width portion of the first body section 342 that bounds a fluid passage 355.
• the second body section 346 includes a w3 ⁇ 4ll structure 347 bounding a fluid passage 352 that opens to a sample introduction port 350 at the sample introduction end 349
• the bellows joint 345 also defines a fluid passage 354 From the sample introduction end 349 toward the pipette receiving end 341, the fluid passages 352, 354, 355, 356 are consecutively arranged and in fluid communication with one another.
• the second body section 346 and the second fluid passage 352 have non-uniform primary and transverse widths that increase with proximity to the sample introduction end 349, with such widths being greater than the corresponding prof ' and transverse widths of the first body section 342 and each fluid passage 355, 356 of the first body section 342, respectively. As shown in FIGS.
• FIG. 16C is a bottom plan view of an alternative extension tip device 340A similar to the embodiment of FIGS . 16A- 16B, illustrating a sample introduction end 349A and a sample introduction port 350A as being substantially square shape, in combination with fluid passages 354A, 355A both having round cross- sectional shapes.
• a measuring pipette and die extension tip device 340 permits die resulting assembly to function in a manner similar to the pipette 140 previously described in connection with FIGS. 6A-6D.
• an extension tip device having a bellows joint may include a second body section having a width that is constant and/or reduced in one or more dimensions relative to a first body section.
• FIGS. 17A-17C illustrate an extension tip device 360 according to one embodiment, including an upper body section 362 configured to receive a tip region of a measuring pipette, a first body section 364 aligned with the upper body section 362, and a second body section 366 having an increased primary width (and a reduced transverse width) relative to the first body section 364.
• a bellows joint 365 in a straight configuration is arranged between the first and second body sections 364, 366.
• welded interfaces 365' may be provided between the bellows joint 365 and the first and second body sections 364, 366A.
• a shoulder 363 representing a change in outer diameter may be provided between the first and upper body sections 364, 362.
• the second body section 366 includes a wall structure 367 bounding a fluid passage 372 that opens to a sample introduction port 370 at the sample introduction end 369.
• Corresponding fluid passages 374, 375, 377 are defined in the bellows joint 365, the first body section 364, and the upper body section 362.
• the fluid passages 377, 375 defined in the first body section 364 and the upper body section 362, respectively, are bounded by a tapered wall and have a width that decreases with proximity to the bellows joint 365.
• the second body section 366 has a constant primary width (along primary width dimension Wi) that is equal to that of the first body section 364, and the second fluid passage 372 has a constant primary width.
• the second body section 366 has a non-uniform transverse width (along transverse width dimension W2) that decreases with proximity to the sample introduction end 369 and that is smaller than that of the first body section 364, and the second fluid passage 372 has a transverse width that decreases with proximity to the sample introduction end 369 and that is smaller than that of the first fluid passage 375.
• the sample introduction port 370 of the extension tip device 360 has a substantially greater primary width than transverse width. Engagement between a measuring pipette and the extension tip device 360 permits the resulting assembly to function in a manner similar to the pipette 180 previously described in connection with FIGS. 8A-8C.
• an extension tip device similar to the extension tip device 360 of FIGS. 17A-17C may include an offcut tip.
• FIG. 17D is a right side elevational view of an extension tip device 360A according to one embodiment similar to the extension tip device 360 illustrated in FIGS. 17A-17C, with a tip of the sample introduction end 369A being offcut at an angle b that is non -perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis 378 of a second body section 366A.
• the second body section 366A includes a wall structure 367A bounding a fluid passage 372A that opens to a sample introduction port 370A at the sample introduction end 369A.
• Corresponding fluid passages 374, 375, 377 are defined in the bellows joint 365, the first body section 364, and the upper body section 362. Engagement between a measuring pipette and the extension tip device depicted in FIG. 17D permits the resulting assembly to function in a manner similar to the pipette 180 A previously described in connection with FIG. 8D.
• pipette structures disclosed herein are suitable for transferring material between an interior of a cell culture housing (such as the housings disclosed in FIGS. 2A and 3).
• a cell culture housing such as the housings disclosed in FIGS. 2A and 3.
• the capability of certain pipette structures disclosed herein to permit an angle between first and second body sections to he adjusted enables a user to preferentially remove multi-cell aggregates or preferentially remove cell culture medium from such a housing.
• FIG. 18A illustrates a cell culture housing 70 recei ving therein a portion of a serological pipete I 60B according to one embodiment, with the pipete 160B including a bellows joint 166 permitting pivotal movement between first and section body sections 164, 166 of the pipette 160B.
• the bellow's joint 166 is arranged in a non-linear position, w ith the first and second body sections 164, 166 attached to the bellows joint 166 being non parallel to one another.
• Tire cell culture housing 70 encloses a cell culture chamber 72, with the bottom of the cell culture chamber 72 containing a structured surface 74 defining an array of microweils 76.
• a cell culture medium 78 is arranged in the cell culture chamber 72 above the structured surface 74. As shown in FIG. 18A, the sample introduction end 169 of the pipette 160B is offcut and positioned proximate to microweils 76 (e.g., optionally contacting the structured surface 74 defining the microweils 76) in a manner to preferentially remove multi cell aggregates from one or more selected microweils 76.
• the cell culture housing 70 further includes a top wall 82, side walls 84 extending upward from the structured surface 74 to the top wall 82, and a tubular neck 86 that extends outward and upward to define a port opening 85.
• contents of the cell culture housing 70 proximate to the sample introduction end 169 may be removed from the cell culture chamber 72 through the pipette 160B. Since the sample introduction end 169 of FIG. 18A is positioned on or proximate to the structured surface 74, the pipette 160B is positioned to preferentially remove multi-cell aggregates (relative to cell culture medium) from the ceil culture chamber 72.
• FIG. 18B illustrates the same cell culture housing 70 and serological pipette 160B illustrated in FIG. 18 A, with the first and second body sections 164, 167 being coliinearly arranged, and with the sample introduction end 169 of the pipette 160B being spaced apart from the structured surface 74 of the cell culture housing 70.
• Such positioning is configured to preferentially remove cell culture medium 78 from the interior of the cell culture housing 70 w'hiie reducing a likelihood of removing cell multi-cell aggregates from the array of nucrowel!s 76
• FIGS 19A and 19B illustrate similar subject matter as FIGS.
• FIG. 19A illustrates a cell culture housing 70 receiving therein a portion of a pipette 380 having coupled thereto an extension tip device 36QA’ having first and second body sections 362, 366A and a bellows joint 365 arranged in a non-linear position, with the first and second body sections 362, 366A attached to the bellows joint 365 being non-parallel to one another.
• the cell culture housing 70 encloses a cell culture chamber 72, with the bottom of the cell culture chamber 72 containing a structured surface 74 defining an array of microwells 76, and a cell culture medium 78 is arranged in the ceil culture chamber 72. As shown in FIG. 19A, the sample introduction end 369A of the extension tip device 360A’ is offcut and positioned proximate to microwells 76 in a manner to preferentially remove multi-cell aggregates from one or more selected microwells 76.
• the cell culture housing 70 further includes a top wall 82, side walls 84, and a tubular neck 86 that defines a port opening 85.
• contents of the cell culture housing 70 proximate to the sample introduction end 369A may be removed from the cell culture chamber 72 through the extension tip device 360A and the pipette 380. Since tire sample introduction end 369A of F1G. 19A is positioned on or proximate to the structured surface 74, the extension tip device 360A7 in combination with the pipette 380 are is positioned to preferentially remove multi-cell aggregates (relative to cell culture medium) from the cell culture chamber 72.
• F1G. 19B illustrates the same cell culture housing 70, serological pipette 380, and extension tip device 360A’ illustrated in FIG. 18A, with the first and second body sections 362, 366A being collinearly arranged, and with the sample introduction end 369A of the extension tip device 360A’ being spaced apart from the structured surface 74 of the cell culture housing 70.
• Such positioning is configured to preferentially remove cell culture medium 78 from the interior of the cell culture housing 70 while reducing a likelihood of removing cell multi-cell aggregates from the array of microwells 76.
• aspects of the present disclosure also relate to a method for transferring at least one material between (i) an interior of a cell culture housing that includes a structured surface defining an array of microwells suitable for three-dimensional culture of multi -cell aggregates and (ii) an environment external to the cell culture housing.
• One step of the method comprises inserting at least a portion of a pipette structure as disclosed herein through a port of the cell culture housing into the interior of the cell culture housing. Additional steps of the method comprise extracting the at least one material from the interior of the cell culture housing into or through the pipette structure; and withdrawing the at least a portion of the pipette structure from the interior of the cell culture housing.
• the pipette structure includes a bellows joint permitting pivotal movement between the first body section and the second body section, and the method further includes effectuating pivotal movement of the bellows joint to adjust orientation between a central longitudinal axis of the second body- section and a central longitudinal axis of the first body section, prior to said extracting of the at least one material from the interior of the cell culture housing.
• a sample introduction end may be arranged a non -contacting relationship relative to the structured surface in a manner to preferentially remove cell culture medium from the interior of the cell culture housing while reducing a likelihood of removing cell multi-cell aggregates from the array of microwells during said extracting of the at least one material from the in terior of the cell culture housing.
• the disclosure relates to a method for fabricating a pipete structure as disclosed herein, the method including multiple steps. Such steps may include supplying a heated parison to a mold; creating a differential pressure between an interior and an exterior of the parison to cause the parison to expand and confonn to a cavity of the mold; opening the mold; and ejecting the pipette structure from the mold. As disclosed previously herein, other methods may be used for fabricating a pipette structure.
• Ranges can be expressed herein as from“about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, examples include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

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• 2019
  • 2019-09-03 JP JP2021513839A patent/JP7459064B2/ja active Active
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